Ghost towns often bring to mind images of completely deserted settlements with crumbling buildings and an eerie silence. However, some of these ‘abandoned’ places are not entirely devoid of life. Surprisingly, some ghost towns are still inhabited, holding onto their history or even attempting a revival. Here are ten American ghost towns where people continue to live, each with a unique story to tell.
Goodsprings, Nevada
Nevada and California are known for their numerous ghost towns, many of which were former mining boomtowns that declined rapidly after the Gold Rush. While most are now preserved as historical sites, Goodsprings has managed to survive thanks to its proximity to Las Vegas and Hollywood.
The town is home to the Pioneer Saloon, believed to be the oldest and most authentic saloon in southern Nevada. Goodsprings is also known as the site where actress Carole Lombard tragically died in a plane crash. Her husband, Clark Gable, famously spent hours at the Pioneer Saloon in mourning.
Today, Goodsprings has a population of just under 200 people and offers food and adventure tours, drawing visitors interested in its unique history.
Thurmond, West Virginia
Thurmond thrived due to its strategic railroad station, which boosted travel and commerce. The Dunglen Hotel, located across the river, became a notorious spot for gambling and parties. According to Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the hotel hosted the longest poker game ever recorded, lasting 14 years!
The town’s decline was hastened by the destruction of the Dunglen Hotel in 1930. Today, Thurmond is part of the New River Gorge National Park and has only a handful of residents.
Bannack, Montana
Before Montana became a state, Bannack was a bustling town that even served as the territory’s capital for two years after gold was discovered in 1862. However, harsh winters, crime, and its remote location led to Bannack’s decline in the 20th century.
Today, about a dozen people still call Bannack home. The town hosts “Bannack Days” annually, offering visitors a glimpse into its gold rush past with historical reenactments and Western-themed activities.
Rodney, Mississippi
Rodney was once a promising town, nearly becoming the state capital. Its location on the Mississippi River made it a vital hub for trade and travel. In the 1830s, Rodney was home to Mississippi’s first opera house and numerous businesses.
However, a yellow fever outbreak in 1843 and the impacts of the Civil War devastated the town. Today, while the exact population is unknown, Rodney remains a shadow of its former self.
Shaniko, Oregon
Once known as the “Wool Capital of the World,” Shaniko was declared a ghost town in 1959. As of 2020, it is home to about 30 residents. The town’s decline occurred when updated railroad routes bypassed Shaniko, isolating it from major cities.
Shaniko’s well-preserved historical district attracts tourists during the summer. Visitors can explore the town’s small museum, general store, and other historical sites.
Jerome, Arizona
Jerome, Arizona, was a thriving copper mining town with over 10,000 residents at the end of the 19th century. When the mines were depleted, the population dwindled, and the Great Depression nearly erased the town.
However, the residents transformed Jerome into a tourist destination. Now a National Historic Landmark, Jerome has seen its population rebound to almost 500, drawing visitors with its vibrant arts scene and historical charm.
Cairo, Illinois
Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, Cairo, Illinois, has a rich history. It served as a Civil War base and grew into a successful port, reaching a peak population of over 15,000.
Civil Rights Movement tensions, violent protests, and a major flood in 2011 led to Cairo’s decline. Today, it is home to just under 1,500 residents and is often referred to as a ghost town due to its abandoned downtown and historic district.
Monowi, Nebraska
Unlike other towns, Monowi has always been small. With a peak population of 150 in 1930, it is now down to just one resident: Elsie Eiler. After her husband Rudy passed away in 2004, Elsie chose to stay and effectively runs the town as mayor, librarian, and secretary.
Monowi is unique because it remains officially incorporated due to Elsie’s efforts. She collects taxes from herself to maintain the town’s infrastructure and even runs a tavern.
Centralia, Pennsylvania
Centralia is infamous for an underground coal mine fire that started in 1962 and continues to burn. The fire led to toxic gases and sinkholes, causing most of its residents to flee.
By 2002, the town’s ZIP code was discontinued. In 2013, an agreement allowed the remaining residents to live there until their death. As of the 2020 census, only five people remain in Centralia, making it a truly eerie ghost town.
Gary, Indiana
Gary, Indiana, is not technically a ghost town, but it is in decline. Once known as “The Magic City” and a thriving steel mill town, Gary’s population has plummeted from a peak of 176,000 in 1960 to around 70,000 today.
Competition from foreign steel mills led to massive job losses, and racial tensions caused civil unrest in the 1960s. These factors caused many residents to leave, leading to the city’s deterioration. Despite its challenges, Gary is undergoing revitalization efforts to attract tourists and new residents.
These American ghost towns, each with its own unique history and resilient residents, offer a glimpse into the past and stories of survival against the odds. Whether through tourism, historical preservation, or sheer determination, these towns continue to exist, inviting us to explore their eerie yet captivating landscapes.
What do you think about these ghost towns that people still live in? Let us know in the comments below!
